Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. -Mark Twain

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Rompope: Mexican Eggnog

I'm giving you this recipe early this week so you'll have plenty of time to get it ready for your Christmas celebrations.

Rompope is an eggnog-like drink made with eggs, milk, and vanilla flavouring. The egg yolks impart a yellow hue to the beverage. It is a traditional drink in Mexico, where it was originally made in the convents of the city of Puebla, particularly the Convent of Santa Clara. The word rompope is a derivation of the word rompon, which is used to describe the Spanish version of eggnog that came to Mexico. The Spanish version utilizes rum as its main ingredient, hence the name root of both words rom-pon and rom-pope.

This is recipe already contains a small proportion of alcohol, so it does not require the addition of rum or brandy, as is the custom in the US. Note that this drink is strong, sweet and meant to be sipped, so small glasses are in order!

ROMPOPE: Mexican Eggnog
Serves 8 - 12

Ingredients:

2 quarts milk

2 Cinnamon sticks

2 Cups sugar

2 tsps pure vanilla extract

12 egg yolks, beaten

1 Cup brandy (or grain alcohol or your choice) or 2 cups rum

Directions:
Combine the milk, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon stick in a large saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid scorching. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, continuing to stir. Remove from heat, and cool to room temperature. Remove the cinnamon sticks.

Beat the egg yolks until thickened. Gradually whisk the egg yolks into the cooled milk mixture until thoroughly blended. Return to low heat and continue stirring and cooking until mixture coats the spoon. Remove from heat and cool.

Add the rum or brandy to taste and stir well. Rompope is best enjoyed after it rests for a day or two in the fridge.

If you have a favorite recipe for a Mexican or Mexican-inspired dish, I'd love to add it to our recipe box! email lahuerita2@gmail.com (and put "recipe" in the subject box so I'll know what it's about)